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How to Fix Hyper-V Not Compatible with VMware on Windows 11: Complete Troubleshooting Guide

Running virtualization software on Windows 11 can sometimes lead to compatibility issues, especially between Hyper-V and VMware. Both of these platforms offer powerful virtualization capabilities, but they do not work well together by default.

If you try to run VMware while Hyper-V is enabled, you may encounter errors or performance problems. This is because Hyper-V uses hardware virtualization features that VMware also needs, causing conflicts.

Fortunately, there are several ways to fix this compatibility issue, allowing you to use VMware smoothly on a Windows 11 system where Hyper-V might be enabled.

This guide will walk you through simple to advanced troubleshooting steps to resolve the Hyper-V and VMware conflict.

Quick Note: Prerequisites and Basic Checks

  • Check Windows 11 version: Ensure you are running a supported and updated version of Windows 11, as some fixes depend on system updates.
  • Confirm virtualization support: Verify that your CPU supports virtualization (Intel VT-x or AMD-V) and that it is enabled in BIOS/UEFI.
  • Backup important data: Before making system changes, it’s good practice to back up your work to avoid any accidental loss.
  • Close all virtualization software: Make sure Hyper-V and VMware are not running when you start troubleshooting.

Step 1: Disable Hyper-V Using Command Prompt

Hyper-V is often the main cause of incompatibility with VMware. Disabling Hyper-V can resolve many issues. Here’s how to do it:

  1. Click the Start button, type cmd, then right-click Command Prompt and select Run as administrator.
  2. In the Command Prompt window, type the following command and press Enter:
bcdedit /set hypervisorlaunchtype off

This command tells Windows not to start Hyper-V on boot, freeing up virtualization extensions for VMware.

  1. Restart your computer to apply the changes.

After rebooting, try running VMware again. If it works, the conflict is resolved.

Step 2: Disable Hyper-V via Windows Features

If you prefer a graphical method, you can disable Hyper-V through Windows Features:

  1. Press Windows + R, type optionalfeatures.exe, and hit Enter.
  2. In the Windows Features window, scroll down and find Hyper-V.
  3. Uncheck the box next to Hyper-V.
  4. Click OK and wait for Windows to apply the changes.
  5. Restart your computer when prompted.

This method disables Hyper-V similarly to the command line but offers a visual interface.

Step 3: Disable Other Windows Features That Use Hyper-V Technology

Some Windows features use Hyper-V technology indirectly, which can still cause VMware issues. To ensure full compatibility, disable these features as well:

  • Windows Hypervisor Platform
  • Virtual Machine Platform
  • Windows Sandbox
  • Containers

Use the same optionalfeatures.exe window from Step 2 and uncheck these features if they are enabled. Then restart your PC.

Step 4: Check for and Disable Core Isolation Memory Integrity

Windows 11 includes security features that can interfere with virtualization. One such feature is Memory Integrity under Core Isolation:

  1. Open Windows Security by searching for it in the Start menu.
  2. Go to Device Security > Core Isolation Details.
  3. If Memory Integrity is turned on, toggle it off.
  4. Restart your computer to apply changes.

Disabling Memory Integrity helps VMware access virtualization features without interference.

Step 5: Configure VMware to Use Virtualization Extensions

Sometimes, VMware settings need adjustment to work properly when Hyper-V was previously enabled. Follow these steps:

  1. Open VMware Workstation or VMware Player.
  2. Select your virtual machine and click Edit Virtual Machine Settings.
  3. Go to the Processors tab.
  4. Ensure the option Virtualize Intel VT-x/EPT or AMD-V/RVI is enabled.
  5. Save the settings and start the VM.

This setting allows VMware to make full use of hardware virtualization once Hyper-V is disabled.

Alternative Method: Use VMware Workstation Pro with Hyper-V Support

Newer versions of VMware Workstation Pro (16.1 and later) have experimental support for running alongside Hyper-V. If you want to keep Hyper-V enabled, you can try this approach:

  • Update VMware Workstation Pro to the latest version.
  • In VMware settings, enable Virtualize Intel VT-x/EPT or AMD-V/RVI.
  • Note that performance may be lower compared to running without Hyper-V.

This method offers a compromise if you need both Hyper-V and VMware active, but it is not guaranteed to work perfectly in all setups.

FAQs

Why does Hyper-V conflict with VMware on Windows 11?

Both Hyper-V and VMware require exclusive access to CPU virtualization features. Hyper-V, being a Type 1 hypervisor, takes control of these features, preventing VMware from using them simultaneously.

Can I run Hyper-V and VMware at the same time?

By default, no. However, newer VMware versions have experimental compatibility with Hyper-V enabled, but this can cause reduced performance and occasional instability.

How do I check if Hyper-V is enabled?

Run systeminfo.exe in Command Prompt and look for “Hyper-V Requirements.” If it says Hyper-V is enabled, it means the feature is active.

What if VMware still doesn’t work after disabling Hyper-V?

Ensure other related features like Windows Hypervisor Platform and Memory Integrity are also disabled. Also, update your VMware software to the latest version.

Will disabling Hyper-V affect my system?

Disabling Hyper-V turns off Windows’ built-in virtualization platform. If you use Hyper-V VMs or Windows Sandbox regularly, they will no longer work until Hyper-V is re-enabled.

When Nothing Works

If you have tried all the above steps and VMware still does not function properly, consider the following:

  • Update Windows 11: Sometimes, a system update fixes known compatibility issues.
  • Reinstall VMware: Uninstall and then reinstall VMware to ensure a clean setup.
  • Consult official documentation: Visit the Microsoft Hyper-V documentation and VMware knowledge base for detailed support.
  • Use community forums: Sites like Stack Overflow and Reddit often have up-to-date user solutions.

Conclusion

Hyper-V and VMware conflicts on Windows 11 are common but can be resolved by disabling Hyper-V and related features, adjusting VMware settings, or using newer VMware versions with Hyper-V support. Start with disabling Hyper-V via command line or Windows Features, then proceed to disable other interfering security features like Memory Integrity.

By following these clear and simple steps, you can enjoy smooth virtualization on your Windows 11 system using VMware without running into compatibility problems.

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